Now more than ever, decision-makers from the most innovative global tech corporations know that talent retention is a key cornerstone for success.
Amazon has proven to be no exception, as their commitment to retaining and training their workforce shows, including specialized technical programs for veterans and spouses reentering civilian life. These paid training initiatives include AWS re/Start, Amazon Technical Apprenticeships, Career Choice, and Amazon Technical Academy.
For Erica Bozeman, the impact of participating in the Amazon Technical Apprenticeship program was almost instantaneous.
As a single mom to four boys, Erica was considering whether to reenlist in the Army before learning about the program. With a few technical certification classes under her belt and a recently polished resume, Erica filled out the application. Within weeks, Erica had begun her Department of Labor-certified data center technician apprenticeship program with Amazon. Shortly thereafter, she found herself in a new data technician job that has put her on the path to achieving her goals, while providing ample opportunity to spend time with her children.
“I just wanted to spend more time with my kids and to be able to have home and work balance. Amazon provided that to me.”
And she’s not alone.
When Melfi Perez left the Air Force, she was certain of two things: She wanted to complete her undergraduate degree, and she had a passion for technology. Naturally, she combined the two as she set out to earn her degree in Information Technology from Montclair State University.
And then, as luck would have it, an Amazon recruiter seeking veterans and military spouses reached out about the Amazon Technical Apprenticeship program. Melfi found herself immediately intrigued.
After completing her technical boot camp in May of 2019, Melfi successfully completed the classroom learning portion of her program. Her next step? An apprenticeship with a recently acquired startup supporting Amazon Alexa’s question and answer service. After completing her apprenticeship, Melfi was converted to a full-time software development engineer in October 2019.
“This program opens the door for people to get paid to learn and figure out if they enjoy a field. And if they do really well, they’ll have a job.”
In addition to skills training, veterans and military spouses working at Amazon have access to fellowships, mentorships, military spouse support, and the Warriors@Amazon affinity group, a community with more than 10,000 former service members, spouses, and allies across the company.
Amazon offers all U.S. regular full-time employees with competitive pay and benefits including a starting average wage of $18/hour – more than twice the federal minimum wage – health benefits starting on the first day of the job, up to 20 weeks of paid parental leave for birthing parents and access to company-funded skills training in high-demand areas. With over 35,000 open positions in the U.S., learn more about Amazon career opportunities for military veterans and spouses by visiting Amazon.jobs.
Come build the future with us. Our mission is to be Earth’s most customer-centric company. This is what unites Amazonians across teams and geographies as we are all striving to delight our customers and make their lives easier, one innovative product, service, and idea at a time.
Amazon is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status.